STRENGTHS - Smooth and fluid athletically, Hyde is able to flip hips and change directions easily out in space to adjust to receiver. At his best playing off the receiver where he can read the QB/Pass and close on ball to try and make a play. When he is in good coverage position as ball arrives he has the long arms and ball skills to make a play on the ball. With his height, long arms and athleticism he does a good job of covering possession type receivers in man coverage. He is willing to get hands on WR during route and knows how to use body to cut-off and shield WR from ball. Having played cornerback at Iowa, Hyde's experience lining up as an outside cornerback and slot cornerback gives him the versatility to come down from safety alignment to cover receivers and tight ends in different defensive packages.

WEAKNESSES - Hype is a "tweener" as he has the natural feel for coverage and ball skills of a cornerback, but lacks the playing speed to stay with receiver on deep route and does not have the burst to catch up when he allows separation. However, he is not a physical hitter/tackler and seems content to sit back and allow teammates to make the tackle, which is a major issue when you are the back stop of the defense. While he is no doubt versatile due to his experience playing cornerback, he will need time to adjust and develop playing safety.

SUMMARY - Hyde has been a productive starting cornerback since he arrived at Iowa, but lacks the physical tools to carry over his production to the NFL level. He is a good kid with excellent character who will be willing to switch to safety if that is what it takes for him to stick in the NFL (Do not worry about the incident that happened in 2012 as sources have told us he is a top character kid with no off-field concerns). Overall, I do not believe that Hyde can be a productive starter in the NFL because he is a "tweener" who has not proven he can be the strong and physical tackler needed to be effective playing safety. With his versatility he has the tools to stick as a backup safety and backup cornerback, but to do so he would need to step up and play more physical on special teams that he has shown a desire to on defense. Hyde would be a good free agent signing because of his versatility, intelligence and character, but could be picked in the late rounds by a team.

04/24/2013 - 2013 NFL DRAFT RANG'S GANG: CB: Micah Hyde, Iowa, 6-0, 197, 4.52...Perhaps because Iowa finished just 4-8 last season, Hyde hasn't received the NFL draft buzz he deserves. Awarded the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten and honored as a co-MVP for the Hawkeyes, one can't characterize Hyde as underrated, but in proving more than respectable speed at his size at the combine, he silenced critics who questioned whether he had the athleticism to remain outside in the NFL. In reality, if a team moves him to safety at the next level, it will only be to take better advantage of his instincts and reliable tackling. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Overview

Hyde set numerous high school records as a quarterback and defensive back in Ohio and grew up a Buckeyes' fan. However, he didn't receive much attention from Ohio State or other Big Ten schools, except Iowa.

Shortly after arriving in Iowa City, Hyde moved full-time to the secondary and proved to be a special team' ace as a true freshman. After starting 13 games at cornerback in 2010, he moved to free safety in 2011 for a few starts before kicking back out to cornerback for the final 11 contests. Hyde stayed at cornerback for his senior season and finished among the league leaders in passes defended with 15.

Although he looks more like a safety at 6-1, 190, he is expected to stay at cornerback for the next level due to his natural instincts and football smarts, but also has the versatility to move to free safety if needed. Under the watch of head coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has been well-known for producing offensive linemen to the next level, but over the past five years, the Hawkeyes have sent more defensive backs to the NFL.

Awarded the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten and honored as a co-MVP for the Hawkeyes, one can't characterize Hyde as underrated, but in proving more than respectable speed at his size at the combine, he silenced critics who questioned whether he had the athleticism to remain outside in the NFL. In reality, if a team moves him to safety at the next level, it will only be to take better advantage of his instincts and reliable tackling.

Analysis

STRENGTHS: Willing, disciplined tackler and does a nice job in the open field with good strength for the position. Reliable in one-on-one tackle situations and drives on the ball with a physical nature, fighting off blocks to be a factor. Always plays alert with top-shelf instincts and football smarts.

Understands body positioning and timing in coverage, battling for the ball and making it tough for receivers to finish. Natural ballskills and reads the quarterback well to make plays on the ball. Good experience on special teams, including as a return man. Versatile experience with time at safety and cornerback.

WEAKNESSES: Not a quick-twitch athlete and lacks the hip flexibility ideal for the position. Doesn't have great top-end speed and will struggle to stick with receivers vertically. Shows some tweener traits and will be viewed as a cornerback for some and safety for others.

Rises out of his stance and opens his frame too early. Needs work with his backpedal and room to improve his transitional technique. Has some character concerns after an arrest Oct. 13, 2012 at 3 a.m. for public intoxication.

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